Events

Jazz Africa returns to The Vortex after a sell-out debut at the club earlier in the year. This all-star band, led by keyboardist Basil Hodge, will perform a range of music from Africa.

come join us downstairs @The Vortex starting 10pm till 2am. tix £6 at the door only. As usual expect a cozy dancefloor, records only, house party vibes, and an inclusive space open to everyone who wants to boogie.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

An afternoon and evening showcase of bands from the Guildhall Jazz Department led by tutors including Tony Kofi, Fini Bearman, Larry Bartley, Ivo Neame, Winston Clifford, Mark Lockheart, Tom Farmer, Kate Williams, Robert Mitchell, Steve Fishwick, Oli Rockberger and more!

An afternoon and evening showcase of bands from the Guildhall Jazz Department led by tutors including Tony Kofi, Fini Bearman, Larry Bartley, Ivo Neame, Winston Clifford, Mark Lockheart, Tom Farmer, Kate Williams, Robert Mitchell, Steve Fishwick, Oli Rockberger and more!

Four renowned composer-improvisers tangle with Ches Smith’s newest compositions. Two highly individualistic guitarists swirl, echo and double-take, squaring off with a bass and drums team that anchors and unhinges through doubling sounds.

Four renowned composer-improvisers tangle with Ches Smith’s newest compositions. Two highly individualistic guitarists swirl, echo and double-take, squaring off with a bass and drums team that anchors and unhinges through doubling sounds.

Inês Loubet is a Portuguese singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer blending Latin-jazz, Tropicália, and soulful grooves into her signature sound. Her debut album, Senga (2024), released on Albert’s Favourites, has earned critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and Brazilian-inspired rhythms, with tracks championed by Chris Philips and Yolanda Brown on Jazz FM, Cerys Matthews, Craig Charles, and Huey Morgan on BBC Radio 6, and Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM.

Houndsbleat is the latest project from the imagination of pianist/composer Olly Chalk. Here, kaleidoscopic grooves, twisting contrapuntal melodies and ferocious group interplay wind their way through a series of new musical labyrinths.

Join Immy and Sol at The Downstairs Living Room this month for an evening of songs and melodies to draw you in from the cold.

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music   Line-up: Grifton Forbes-Amos – Trumpet James Akers – Tenor saxophone Luke Bacchus – Piano Nathan Dawkins – Bass guitar King Ike-Elechi – Drum kit   About The artist Grifton Forbes-Amos is a trumpet player from the UK. His project merge the differing aspects […]

“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvising musicians from around the city.

Join us for an explosive evening of rhythm, soul, and cross-continental groove with Regen Sound, a dynamic collective whose music journeys across Sub-Saharan Africa through ancestral songs and infectious contemporary fusion.

This musical partnership was formed in New York City in 2017 between the highly acclaimed US saxophonist Jed Levy (Jaki Byard, Jack McDuff/, Mike Clark, Tom Harrell etc) and multi-award-winning UK born guitarist Phil Robson (Mark Turner, David Liebman, Billy Hart, Partisans, etc), who was living in NYC at the time.

Karl Bos soundtracks a late-night jazz dance downstairs at The Vortex.

The DJ, curator and broadcaster runs jazz-ish East London live night Deeper Cuts, and hosts a long-running Soho Radio show of the same name.

Have you ever experienced a superb big band at close quarters? Directed by Scott Stroman, the LJO’s monthly Sessions are the place to experience powerful soloists and great new writing at close quarters. The LJO was born with the club, together creating what is now London’s longest jazz residency.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set. First set from house band: David Miller (saxophone), Davide Melis (piano), Duncan McKenzie (bass) & Bobby James (drums) followed by a jam session till close. Entry is free […]

Sarost is a trio comprising Mark Sanders Percussion, Paul Rogers Custom 7 String Bass and Larry Stabbins Saxophones, Bass Clarinet and Flutes.

The Haffner/Fink Quintet will be bringing exciting original music written by Donovan and Laurel.

London-based German violinist and singer Johanna Burnheart carves her own niche with a distinctive blend of modal jazz and electronic soundscapes. Deeply influenced by the Berlin techno and house scene as well as modal jazz, Johanna’s music exists at the point where improvisation meets hypnotic rhythm.

Lyons is currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music and is working with some of the most innovative musicians on the scene. He leads an outstanding quartet, including saxophonist George Johnson, drummer Ananda Brandão and bassist Zaki Osahn.

First gig of Pete Wareham’s new band.

Arun Thava is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music captures the childlike wonder in all of us. With his direct lyricism and infectious melodies, Arun’s songs leave listeners feeling warm and understood.

Schism represents the next stage in De Souza’s development as a composer and guitarist, showcasing a group whose long-term collaboration allows for both precision and openness.

“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.

Expect an evening of improvised music from a trio made up of three of the U.K’s most interesting improvisors.

Discotheque Tropicale is a collective, event series and record label created to celebrate and generate interest in a range of borderless music and culture from around the world.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

With the Julian Siegel Quartet, the BBC Jazz Award winning saxophonist and composer Julian Siegel can be heard alongside some of this generation’s most distinctive voices, creating an in-demand Quartet on the UK and European Jazz scene.

Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set. First set from house band: David Miller (saxophone), Davide Melis (piano), Duncan McKenzie (bass) & Bobby James (drums) followed by a jam session till close. Entry is free […]

Commemorating the twentieth anniversary of Derek Bailey’s passing, Thurston Moore and Mark Wastell pay homage to Derek’s memory, especially his celebrated guitar/percussion duos with fellow travellers John Stevens, Tony Oxley and Han Bennink.

Queer jazz will be finishing the year in style with a special Christmas Party Jam to celebrate a very queer year!

The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay returns to the Vortex with the extraordinary boundary-pushing improviser and exuberant large-scale composer Percy Pursglove, in a UK premiere of his latest ensemble work, originally commissioned by the Hamburg-based NDR big band.

The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay returns to the Vortex with the extraordinary boundary-pushing improviser and exuberant large-scale composer Percy Pursglove, in a UK premiere of his latest ensemble work, originally commissioned by the Hamburg-based NDR big band.

Marlon the Pannist is a multi-award-winning steelpan musician, arranger, and educator from South East London. A three-time UK Pan Clash Champion Soloist (2018, 2019, 2021), Marlon is recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary steelpan performance.

Trombonist Annie Whitehead is a key part of the UK jazz scene having worked with Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath, John Stevens, Dudu Pukwana, Evan Parker, Paul Dunmall Octet and more.

Come and join the fun! It’s the Mopomoso Solstice Party!!!

a gig full of around 40 brilliant musicians, performing short 5 – 7 minute sets put together in new formations.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

Following Hurricane Melissa which hit the coast of Jamaica on the 28th October this year, the Vortex Jazz Club will be hosting a concert on the 23rd December raising funds those affected.

Pianist, composer, and writer Ethan Iverson was a founding member of The Bad Plus, a game-changing collective with Reid Anderson and David King. The New York Times called TBP “Better than anyone at melding the sensibilities of post-60’s jazz and indie rock.”

Beat the twixt Xmas/New Year blues with guitar legend John Etheridge and the Blue Spirits . Guaranteed to take you on soulful journey through Blues/Jazz and beyond encompassing all Etheridge’s well known eclecticism. Powered along by Pete Whittaker (organ) and George Double (drums).

We are delighted to welcome back the multi-award winning Ian Shaw for his traditional New Year’s Eve performance.

Bringing in the New Year a day late has become a tradition at the Vortex since 2009. A welcome relief from the hustle and stress of most NYE parties – this one just wants you to relax, enjoy the music and ease yourself into the New Year with good company and normal prices!

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music     Line-up:   Leo Richardson – Saxophone Rick Simpson – Piano Dave Whitford – Double bass Joel Waters – Drum kit   About:   Without a doubt, Leo Richardson is widely recognised to be one of the UK’s leading Jazz Tenor Saxophonists, best […]

Award-winning saxophonist and composer Ed Jones returns to the quartet format that first established his presence on the UK jazz scene over 30 years ago.

London’s longest jazz residency kicks off its 35th year, as the LJO preview two new recordings to be released in 2025, featuring music by trumpet legend Henry Lowther and director Scott Stroman.

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music About Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Sam Eastmond is known for his large ensemble work with John Zorn, he is the only artist to have led, arranged, and recorded Zorn’s works in MASADA Books Two and Three and The Bagatelles, recording albums in these series […]

The trio blend musical influences from their personal heroes, whilst exploring an expansive sound that stretches the boundaries of the traditional trio format with original compositions and creative arrangements.

This new project takes as its starting point the music of Thelonious Monk, Bill Frisell and Paul Motian, exploring the intersection of these artists’ idiosyncratic styles and their take on American musical forms like jazz, blues and folk.